Ruiz Peralta, Ana: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to disclose party preference on political advertising (EY20, July20)

Case

#74410

Respondent

Ana Ruiz Peralta

Complainant

LaWanda Hatch

Description

The complaint alleged Ana Ruiz Peralta, a 2020 candidate for Franklin County Commissioner, position 2, may have violated RCW 42.17A.320 and WAC 390-18-020 by failing to identify a party preference on political advertising, specifically political signs. PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the applicable PDC reports, and the response fromAna Ruiz Peralta, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Ana Ruiz Peralta responded to the PDC on August 19, 2020 stating “Our campaign is aware of the need to include our political affiliation on our campaign banners and signs. We have purchased stickers with the (D) clearly printed on them and we are currently in the process of putting those stickers on all of our signs so that they are all in compliance.”

Based on these findings, and the fact Peralta is a first-time candidate and updated the signs when notified of the requirement, staff has determined in this instance the failure to include party identification does not amount a violation warranting further investigation.

PDC staff is reminding Ana Ruiz Peralta about the importance of identifying the party preference on all political advertising in accordance with PDC laws and rules.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

July 31, 2020

Areas of Law

WAC 390-18-020